2027: Ufomba Leads Supporters Into Labour Party, Backs Otti’s Re-election Bid
A prominent Abia politician and former Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, has officially joined the Labour Party, declaring support for the re-election of Governor Alex Otti in 2027.
Ufomba, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and founder of the Change Abia Organization, was formally received into the Labour Party alongside his supporters during a reception held at the Isiala Ngwa North Council Headquarters in Okpuala Ngwa.
Speaking at the event, the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North, Ambassador Innocent Uruakpa, commended Governor Otti for his developmental strides across the state and expressed confidence that the local government area would deliver overwhelming support for the Labour Party in the 2027 elections. He also welcomed Ufomba and his supporters into the party.
The State Chairman of the Change Abia Organization, Comrade Emma Onyenmuru, addressed Ufomba as the founder and Board chairman of the group, noting that the organization had long advocated for positive change in the state and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Governor Otti’s administration through its decision to join the Labour Party.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon Matthew Ekwuribe, applauded the Governor’s infrastructural achievements in Isiala Ngwa North and other parts of the state, urging residents to continue supporting the administration.
The member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, Hon Collins Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu, maintained that the area remained a stronghold of the Labour Party. He disclosed that extensive grassroots mobilization and door-to-door campaigns were ongoing in the area to attract more members into the party, while stressing the need for Governor Otti to complete a second term in office.
Also, the Labour Party Chairman in the area, Hon Peter Azubuike, appreciated Governor Otti for his support and commitment to strengthening the party, while welcoming the new entrants.
Receiving the defectors, Governor Alex Otti thanked Ufomba and members of the Change Abia Organization for identifying with the vision of the Labour Party and the developmental agenda of his administration. He acknowledged Ufomba’s support for the government since the 2023 elections and described the Change Abia Organization as a movement that shares similar aspirations for the progress of the state.
In his remarks, Ufomba said his decision to join the Labour Party was informed by the performance of the Otti administration and the need to support a government that has delivered measurable results. He noted that the Change Abia Organization, which comprises 198 affiliate groups, was aligning with the Labour Party to advance development and good governance in the state.
He highlighted several projects undertaken by the Gov Otti’s administration, including the reconstruction of the Umuahia-Imo River Road, the Omenuko Bridge, the new Government House project, road infrastructure, drainage systems and flood control measures in Aba. According to him, the administration has restored public confidence in governance by making government activities more visible and impactful.
Ufomba urged Abians to sustain their support for Governor Otti, arguing that continuity would enable the administration to consolidate on its achievements and deliver more benefits to the people.
Meanwhile, Governor Otti in his speech assured the new members that they would enjoy equal opportunities within the party, stressing that his administration remains committed to inclusive governance. He highlighted efforts made by the government in clearing salary and pension arrears inherited from previous administrations and expressed optimism that the pace of development across the state would accelerate in the coming years.
In a vote of thanks, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, described the administration as one that has opened new opportunities for development and inspired greater confidence among residents. He noted that the growing influx of people into the Labour Party was evidence of public approval of the governor’s performance.
The event featured the formal presentation of Labour Party flags to Ufomba and other new members by the Governor, marking their official entry into the party.
